Brigham Young and The Twelve in Quincy: A Return to the Eye of the Missouri Storm, 26 April 1839

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Brigham Young and The Twelve in Quincy: A Return to the Eye of the Missouri Storm, 26 April 1839"

Transcription

1 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April Brigham Young and The Twelve in Quincy: A Return to the Eye of the Missouri Storm, 26 April 1839 Larry C. Porter At a recent Forum address given at Brigham Young University on 26 October 1999, Elder Alexander B. Morrison, a Seventy and member of the LDS Church Humanitarian Committee, spoke on the topic of Church Response to Crisis. He addressed the horrendous condition of refugees in Bosnia, Rwanda, Somalia, Kosovo, and other crucial locations on the globe. Elder Morrison pointed out the characteristics that occur in manmade crisis situations among the victims. He identified mass-population dislocations, great human suffering, widespread human-rights abuses, huge mental-health consequences, destruction of social networks and infrastructures, insecurity, death, injury, disability, and malnutrition. Elder Morrison singled out the children as being among the most vulnerable in such situations. 1 While listening, I was very forcibly struck with the thought, These twentieth-century conditions are precisely what occurred in a nineteenthcentury setting during the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri. Then, Elder Morrison said, Everybody gets hungry the same way and hurts the same way.... Everybody needs the same kind of help.... Our major purpose is to strengthen and protect the coping capacity of individuals, their families, communities and institutions. 2 I again thought, This is what the people of Quincy especially the people of Quincy and other surrogate Illinois communities contributed to the Mormon refugees at that critical time. They gave the hurting Saints the coping capacity to deal with personal disaster. I express a very sincere thanks to the citizens of Quincy for creating a hospitable shore to all peoples both in that day and yet again in a modern LARRY C. PORTER is a Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University.

2 30 Mormon Historical Studies clime. I cannot help but recite the Savior s refrain, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. The citizenry of Quincy has given meat to the hungry traveler and drink to the thirsty stranger (see Matthew 25:35 40). I dedicate this article to the people of Quincy. The Status of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in July 1838 The cornerstones of the Far West Temple in Caldwell County, Missouri, had been laid in symbolic fashion in the midst of ceremony and celebration on 4 July The internal difficulties associated with the excommunications of Apostles John F. Boynton, Luke and Lyman Johnson, and William E. McLellin between the latter part of 1837 and the forepart of 1838 had somewhat abated. It appeared that the Church was entering a fortuitous period of spiritual and material prosperity in its Missouri home. Under these seemingly happy circumstances, the Prophet Joseph Smith offered a prayerful supplication: Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve. On 8 July 1838, Joseph Smith recorded the following revelation in response to his petition for guidance: Verily, thus saith the Lord: Let a conference be held immediately; let the Twelve be organized; and let men be appointed to supply the place of those who are fallen. Let my servant Thomas [Thomas B. Marsh, senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve] remain for a season in the land of Zion, to publish my word. Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth. And next spring [1839] let them depart to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name. Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-sixth day of April next, on the building-spot of my house, saith the Lord. Let my servant John Taylor, and also my servant John E. Page, and also my servant Wilford Woodruff, and also my servant Willard Richards, be appointed to fill the places of those who have fallen, and be officially notified of their appointment. 3 What a difference a day makes! The election-day battle at Gallatin, Daviess County, Missouri, between the Mormons and their detractors occurred just one month later on 6 August 1838; the mob attack on the settlement of Saints in DeWitt in Carroll County commenced 2 October 1838; the Battle of Crooked River in Ray County took place on 25 October 1838; the issuing of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs s infamous extermination order was dated 27 October 1838; the Haun s Mill Massacre in Caldwell County

3 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April occurred on 30 October 1838; the arrest of Joseph Smith and other Mormon leaders at Far West happened on 31 October 1838; and the capitulation of Far West took place on 1 November These events suddenly changed the entire complexion of things and greatly altered the whole Mormon community s right to exist in the state of Missouri. Far West Temple Site Monument, 27 September The monument was dedicated by President Alvin R. Dyer, an additional counselor in the First Presidency, on 3 August Photo by Alexander L. Baugh The Condition of the Church in Missouri at the Beginning of April 1839 The leaders of the Church had been scattered or imprisoned following the conclusion of the Mormon War in November 1838 and were still attempting to regroup. Members of the First Presidency, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, had been incarcerated first at Independence, then at Richmond, and finally in Liberty, Missouri, during the winter of After a lengthy period of confinement, Sidney Rigdon was finally granted bail in January 1839 and chose to flee the state in February He traveled to Quincy, Illinois, and there found respite for him and his family. His wife, Phebe, at least one daughter, and perhaps Sidney and other children, were taken into the home of Judge John and Sarah M. Cleveland, living immediately east of Quincy. Emma Smith and

4 32 Mormon Historical Studies her family were also sheltered under the same roof contemporaneously with the Rigdons. 4 At the same time, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was widely dispersed and badly in need of reorganization. The lives of five to eight thousand Saints had been severely disrupted under the edict of Governor Boggs, and these men, women, and children were in the final stages of being exiled from Missouri. A significant portion of the refugees and their leaders found a welcome shelter in Quincy and its environs. The Disposition of the Individual Members of the Twelve Apostles The earlier loss to the Quorum of the Twelve of Elders John F. Boynton, Luke and Lyman Johnson, and William E. McLellin through apostasy had been partially offset by the replacement ordinations of Elders John E. Page and John Taylor on 19 December The occasion was a meeting of the newly formed high council in Far West. The minutes specify, Voted by the Council that John E. Page and John Taylor be ordained to the apostleship to fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve. Then they came forward and received their ordination under the hands of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. 5 The pending ordinations of Elders Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards were designed to further ease the resultant burden. However, before such ordinations could be completed, the defections of Elders Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde in mid-october 1838 had led to Marsh s excommunication on 17 March 1839 and to Hyde s being dropped from the Quorum. However, Orson Hyde was later restored to the Priesthood in June 1839 and again sustained in his apostolic office by a conference of the Saints on 6 October Elder David W. Patten had been tragically shot to death at the Battle of Crooked River on 25 October 1838, creating yet another void in the Quorum. Elder Parley P. Pratt, another member of the Quorum, had been assigned to New York City, where he busied himself with building up the Church there until April 1838 when he received a summons to come to Far West. There he soon found himself embroiled in the Mormon War and was imprisoned at Independence, Richmond, and then Columbia, Missouri. From November 1838 to 4 July 1839, he languished in prison, effectively nullifying any possible assistance to the Saints during their forced removal from Missouri. 7 In the spring of 1838, Orson Pratt replaced his brother Parley as president of the large New York City branch where he labored for six or seven months. However, when notified by letter to come to Zion, he started with

5 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April his family for Missouri. His intention was to be in place with his quorum at Far West for the anticipated event at the temple site on 26 April While taking ship s passage through St. Louis in mid-november, Orson had his progress stopped by the heavy ice flows then jamming the Mississippi. It was there he learned of the incarceration of his brother Parley, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and other leaders. He decided it was better to remain in the comparative safety of that city for the moment. When the spring thaw of 1839 made passage up the Mississippi feasible, he took his family to Quincy. 8 Elder William B. Smith, younger brother of Joseph Smith, took his family out of Far West in late 1838 and soon situated them in Quincy and then in Plymouth, Illinois. His actions during the Missouri emergency had been adjudged less than honorable; and, in May 1839, he was called upon to give an account of his conduct. Brigham Young, John Taylor, and others were vocal in their challenge of William s fitness. As a result, he was suspended from fellowship on 4 May However, William was later restored to the fellowship of the church through the intercession of Joseph and Hyrum [Smith] on 25 May The Twelve had found him guilty of certain willful and irregular behavior but voted that he be allowed to retain his station with the Quorum. 9 Wilford Woodruff was notified of his call to the Twelve while on his mission to the Fox Islands off the coast of Maine. As he was in the act of conducting a meeting at the home of Ebenezer Ames in North Vinal Haven, a letter was handed to Wilford from Elder Thomas B. Marsh dated Far West, 14 July The letter, received on 9 August 1838, read: Elder W. Woodruff Sir; a few days since Prest. Joseph Smith jr. and some others were assembled to attend to some Church business when it was thought proper to select those who was designed of the LORD to fill the places of those of the twelve who had fallen away namely W. E Mclellin, Lyman E. Johnson, Luke Johnson, and John F. Bointon. The persons selected were John E. Page, John Taylor, Willford Woodruff and Wilard Richards. On the following day five of the twelve with President Rigdon and some others met and resolved that President Rigdon write to Br. Richards who is now in England and inform him of his appointment, and that P. P. Pratt write to Orson Pratt and inform him that the Lord has Commanded that the 12 assemble in this place as soon as possible and that I should write to yourself. Know then brother Woodruff by this that you are appointed to fill the place of one of the twelve apostles; and that it is agreeable to the word of the LORD given vary lately that you should come spedily to far west, And on the 26 of April next to take your leave of the Saints here and depart for other climes across the mighty deep! Yours in the love of God. Wilford Woodruff Thomas B. Marsh. 10 Interestingly, Elder Woodruff recalled, The substance of this letter had

6 34 Mormon Historical Studies been revealed to me several weeks before, but I had not named it to any person. 11 Wilford brought a company of Saints with him from Maine bound for Missouri in the winter of However, when he learned of the difficulties that had beset the Missouri Saints, he determined to locate temporarily three miles north of the community of Rochester, Sangamon County, Illinois. Wilford recorded: December 19, 1838 I was informed that we could not cross the Illinois River in consequence of the Ice. I also learned that the Saints in Zion far west were suffering the severest persecutions & privation & we Could not travel through that Country & with all these Combination of Circumstances we Concluded to stop for a season whare we were as doors were open unto us in the regions of Rochester & that to among the Saints that had taken up there abode in the place for a season. 12 Elder Woodruff rode over to Quincy to see the brethren and, while there, visited Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph, on 16 March She was staying with the family of Judge John Cleveland and wife, Sarah M. Cleveland. Judge Cleveland was a non-mormon merchant in the Quincy area. Sarah Cleveland befriended Emma at this time and later became a counselor to Sister Smith in the presidency of the Nauvoo Female Relief Society when first organized on 17 March The Cleveland family lived about four miles directly east of Quincy. 14 Wilford spoke with favor of their meeting. Once more [I] had the happy privilege of greeting Sister Emma Smith who had taken up her abode for a season with her Children in the house of Sister Cleavland. We dined with Sister Smith She had passed through a scene of affliction since I last saw her & even now Joseph her husband is in prison with other Saints through the power of Persecution. 15 On 8 April 1839, Wilford and his family took the parting hand with the Saints in Rochester and moved to Quincy, arriving at that place on the 16th. It was here, as he said, I could mingle with my brethren; and I felt to praise God for His protecting care over me and my family in all our afflictions. 16 After settling his family, Wilford made preparations to accompany the Twelve in fulfillment of a certain revelation & commandment of the Lord which required us to take our leave of the Saints at far west on the 26th day of April 1839 for the nations of the earth. 17 George A. Smith, the son of John Smith, had helped to move his father s family when they were forced to evacuate their home at Adam-ondi- Ahman and move to Far West. The household then joined the line of refugees from Far West on 11 February 1839 and arrived in Quincy, Illinois, on 26 February. From Quincy, they made their way to Green Plains in Hancock County, Illinois. George was able to find employment in Warsaw

7 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April Township, making rails for a Harrison Crawford to earn his bread. Having been nominated by the First Presidency and sustained for ordination to the Twelve by the congregation of the Church, George A. Smith left his home on 15 April 1839 and joined the Brigham Young company as they departed Quincy for Far West, Missouri, on 18 April. 18 Willard Richards had been authorized for ordination to the Twelve in the 8 July 1838 revelation at Far West (see D&C 118:6). However, he was then performing missionary labors in the British Isles, which assignment physically separated him from those holding the keys to perform that ordinance. This assignment necessarily delayed his actual ordination under the Willard Richards Photo courtesy of International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers Cache Pioneer Museum, Logan, Utah hands of Brigham Young and others of the Twelve until their later arrival in Preston, England, on 14 April Of that occasion, Wilford Woodruff recorded, Elder Willard Richards was ordained to the Office of an Apostle & received into the Quorum of the Twelve by a unanimous voice according to previous revelation. 19 The First Presidency s Reliance on Elders Young and Kimball for Leadership in the Exodus Fortunately for the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Saints, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball were among the few in primary leadership roles who were comparatively unknown to Missouri state officials and, more important, to the members of the irrepressible mob. These two Apostles were enabled to remain at large without any charges being filed against them in the committing trials that had led to the arrest of so many of the brethren. Recognizing the physical limitations imposed upon himself and the First Presidency in personally directing many of the affairs now devolving upon

8 36 Mormon Historical Studies the Saints, Joseph Smith and his counselors responded from Liberty Jail to a letter of inquiry from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball on 16 January 1839: Bros. H. C. Kimball and B. Young Joseph Smith Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, prisoners for Jesus sake, send greeting: In obedience to your request in your letter, we say to you as follows. It is not wisdom for you to go out of Caldwell, with your families yet for a little season; until we are out of prison, after which you may act your pleasure; but though you take your Families out of the State, yet it will be necessary for you to return, and leave as before designed, on the 26th of April. Inasmuch as we are in prison and for a little season, if need be, the management of the affairs of the Church devolves on you, that is the Twelve. The gathering of necessity is stopet; but the conversion of the world need not stop, but under wise management can go on more rapidly than ever.... It will be necessary for you to get the Twelve together, ordain such as have not been ordained, or at least such of them as you can get, and proceed to regulate the Elders as the Lord may give you wisdom. We nominate George A. Smith and Lyman Sherman to take the places of Orson Hyde and Thomas B. Marsh.... Brethren pray for us, and cease not till our deliverance comes, which we hope may come, we hope we say, for our families sake. Let the Elders preach nothing but the first principles of the gospel, and let them publish our afflictions the injustice and cruelty thereof, upon the house tops. Let them write it and publish it in all the papers where they go, charge them particularly on this point. Brethren we remain yours in hope of eternal life, Sidney Rigdon Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith. N. B. [note well] Appoint the oldest of those of the Twelve, who were first appointed, to Be the President of your quorum. J.S. S.R. H.S. 20 The infrastructure of the Church was seriously affected by all the turmoil. As before explained, of the two Apostles who preceded Brigham Young in seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Thomas B. Marsh had apostatized, and David W. Patten had been killed at the Battle of Crooked River in October Following the instruction contained in the First Presidency s above postscript to appoint the oldest, Brigham Young served in the capacity of Quorum leader. However, he was not formally sustained and set apart in his position as the standing president of the Twelve until the Twelve met in Preston, England, on 14 April A meeting of Church members was called at Far West on 26 January 1839 to discuss such measures as might be instituted to comply with

9 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April Governor Boggs s order for the Saints to totally remove themselves from the state. It was reported that the extreme poverty of many of the Saints made it impossible to comply with the request. Opinions were expressed that there be an appeal made to the citizens of Upper Missouri, setting forth our condition, and claiming their assistance towards furnishing means for the removal of the poor of this county out of the state, as being our right and our due in the present case. 22 It was resolved that a committee of seven be appointed to draft a preamble and resolutions that would reflect the above sentiments. The committee thus appointed consisted of John Taylor, Alanson Ripley, Brigham Young, Theodore Turley, Heber C. Kimball, John Smith, and Don C. Smith. It was further resolved that this committee ascertain the number of families who had no means for removal and also to determine how much could be contributed by the Saints in removing as many persons as possible from the state. 23 A follow-up meeting on 29 January called for the committee report to be completed and given to the public press for publication. President Brigham Young offered a motion, and it was approved that we this day enter into a covenant to stand by and assist each other to the utmost of our abilities in removing from this state, and that we will never desert the poor who are worthy, till they shall be out of the reach of the exterminating order of General Clark, acting in the name of the state. 24 A new committee, again numbering seven individuals, was then appointed to oversee the business of removal. The appointees were William Huntington, Charles Bird, Alanson Ripley, Theodore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrach Roundy, and Jonathan H. Hale. 25 William Huntington was named chairman of the committee. The committee soon expanded to eleven when it became necessary to add four new members on 1 February 1839 namely, Elias Smith, Erastus Bingham, Stephen Markham, and James Newberry. 26 Brigham Young was able to acquire the signatures of 380 individuals who covenanted to stand by and assist one another, to the utmost of our abilities, in removing from this state in compliance with the authority of the state; and we do hereby acknowledge ourselves firmly bound to the extent of all our available property. 27 Elders Young and Kimball kept in constant touch with the Prophet Joseph Smith and the First Presidency through correspondence, messengers, and personal visits to their place of confinement at Liberty. Heber said of his trip to Clay County on 7 February 1839: I accompanied Bro. Brigham to Liberty to visit Joseph and the brethren in

10 38 Mormon Historical Studies prison. We had the privilege of going in to see and converse with them; stayed at Liberty over night. Next morning we were permitted to visit the prisoners again while they were at breakfast, and returned during the day to Far West. When we left there Lyman Sherman was some unwell, in a few days after our return, he died. We did not notify him of his appointment [to the Twelve]. 28 The embitterment of the mob against Brigham Young increased to the point that he was under the necessity of fleeing Far West. His exodus occurred on 14 February Not feeling the same degree of pressure, Heber C. Kimball thought he could remain a little longer to give direction to the committee. He declared, I fitted up a small wagon, procured a span of ponies, and sent my Wife and three children, in company with Bro. Brigham Young and his family, with several others, who left Far West Feb. 12th. Every thing my family took with them out of Missouri, could have been packed on the backs of two horses: the mob took all the rest. 29 Of his own exodus, Brigham stated, I left Missouri with my family, leaving my landed property and nearly all my household goods, and went to Illinois, to a little town called Atlas, Pike Co., where I tarried a few weeks; then moved to Quincy. 30 Vilate Kimball accompanied Brigham Young to Atlas where, through the instrumentality of George Perkins, she met a widow Ross, who rented them a comfortable room for seven weeks at fifty cents a week. John P. Greene then took Vilate to Quincy where a house rental was obtained for her and the children. Here Heber found her when he came out of Missouri in May Moved by the goodness of the people, Elder Kimball reflected, I can say in my heart God bless them all and my brother Brigham for his great kindness in assisting them into Illinois. God bless all who aided and assisted my family; for Jesus says every man shall be rewarded for every good deed that he doith, and even if a man giveth a cup of cold water to a disciple, shall receive a disciple s reward. 31 Heber commented on his ability to remain behind at Far West and still continue the work of removal: Being a stranger there, I was requested by Joseph, Brigham and others, to tarry and assist the committee in getting the brethren and families out of Missouri, and to wait upon those brethren who were in prison. I went to Liberty Jail almost every week to visit the brethren, generally the only way I had to communicate with them, was through the grates of their prison. 32 Feeling the decided effects of both mental and emotional strain created in this charged atmosphere of confrontation, Heber wrote: My family having been gone about two months, during which time I heard nothing from them; our brethren being in prison; death and destruction following us everywhere we went; I felt very sorrowful and lonely. 33

11 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April Liberty Jail, Missouri, September Andrew Jenson is on top of the roof. Bishop Joseph S. Black and Elder Edward Stephenson are standing in front of the ruins. Photo courtesy of LDS Church Archives Inside the Liberty Jail, showing the jailer s room on the top floor and the cramped space for the prisoners in the cellar. Photo by Maurine C. Ward

12 40 Mormon Historical Studies Taunting of the Committee on Removal by the Mob at Far West In spite of the fact that thousands of Saints had summarily been forced to leave Far West, the mob continued to nip at their heels to hurry the departure of those who yet remained. The Committee on Removal was a particular target of their venom. On Friday, 5 April 1839, eight men, including the infamous Captain Samuel Bogart, then the county judge; Dr. Laffity; John Whitmer, who had left the Church and seemed embarrassed by the incident; and five other men came into the house that doubled as the office of the Committee on Removal. There they brandished before Theodore Turley a paper containing the revelation of 8 July 1838 (D&C 118), which directed the Twelve to take their departure from the Saints in Far West on the building site of the Lord s House on the 26th of April, en route to the isles of the sea. The intruders demanded that he read the contents. Turley responded: Gentlemen, I am well acquainted with it. They said, Then you, as a rational man, will give up Joseph Smith s being a prophet and an inspired man? He and the Twelve are now scattered all over creation; let them come here if they dare; if they do, they will be murdered. As that revelation cannot be fulfilled, you will now give up your faith. Turley jumped up and said, In the Name of God that revelation will be fulfilled. They laughed him to scorn. John Whitmer hung down his head. They said, If they (the Twelve) come, they will get murdered; they dare not come to take their leave here; that is like all the rest of Joe Smith s d n prophecies. 34 That Captain Samuel Bogart was indeed very capable of murdering an opponent is a matter of record, as illustrated by his later wanton shooting and killing of a man named Beatty during a bitter political argument in Far West. 35 The mob had once again thrown down the gauntlet, chiding the Mormons to meet what they undoubtedly thought to be an impossible proposition, given the dire predicament of the Saints general leadership. Wilford Woodruff stressed that the threats of the mob were a serious concern and not just idle chatter: It was as much as a man s life was worth, especially one of the twelve, to be found in that State; and when the day came on which we were commanded by the Lord in that revelation to go up and lay the cornerstone of that temple and there take parting with the Saints to cross the waters to preach the gospel in England, the inhabitants of Missouri had sworn that if all the revelations of Old Joe Smith were fulfilled, that [one] should not be because it had a day and date to it. 36 Elder Heber C. Kimball continued to work with the committee in its efforts to get the people out of the state. Because of the threats of the mob,

13 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April he was forced to hide himself in the woods during the day and go out only at night to counsel the committee and visit the brethren in their homes. While on his way to the committee office on 18 April 1839, Elder Kimball was accosted by several of the mob. With an oath, one of them attempted to ride over him with his horse, and Heber narrowly escaped serious injury or death. 37 He proceeded immediately to meet with the Committee on Removal and warned them to leave Far West, as their lives were in danger. Elder Kimball reported: It was but a few minutes after I had notified the committee to leave, before the mob gathered at the tithing house, and began breaking Clocks, Chairs, Windows, Looking-glasses and Furniture, and making a complete destruction of every thing they could move, while captain Bogart, the County Judge, looked on and laughed; a mobber named Whittaker threw an iron pot at the head of Theodore Turley and hurt him considerably, when Whittaker jumped about and laughed like a madman, and all this, at a time when we were using our utmost endeavors to get the Saints away from Far West. The brethren gathered up what they could, and fled from Far West in one hour; the mob staid until the Committee left, and then plundered thousands of dollars worth of property which had been left by the brethren and sisters to assist the poor to remove. 38 Elatedly, Elder Kimball learned that the Prophet Joseph Smith and his fellow prisoners had escaped the officers while on a change of venue from Gallatin, Daviess County, to Columbia in Boone County. Asking Shadrach Roundy to accompany him, Elder Kimball sped eastward in hopes of intercepting Joseph s little company and offering them any assistance needed in their flight. Stopping in the vicinity of Keytesville, Chariton County, they went to the home of Colonel Sterling Price, a Missouri militia officer, who lived at Keytesville Landing. 39 Price informed the two men that Joseph and Hyrum Smith and the other prisoners have escaped. I enquired what he knew about them, he answered, Their guard took breakfast here this morning, they have turned back, saying they were going to Richmond, by way of Tenney s Grove. I know that the guard has been bribed, or they would evince more interest by pursuing them. 40 Still determined to see the Prophet safely out of the country, Heber and Shadrach pursued their course eastward for some fifteen miles. When they were completely satisfied that Joseph and his fellows had successfully escaped, they turned and headed backward toward Far West. At Tinney s Grove, they encountered a man who presented Elder Kimball with an order drawn on me by Joseph Smith for $500.00, saying it was for horses furnished him. Recognizing the necessity of paying the man for the horses then in use by the Prophet, Heber was able to quickly raise $400 and paid him that amount. Elder Kimball said that the man then proceeded to Richmond, Ray

14 42 Mormon Historical Studies Brigham Young Photo courtesy of LDS Church Archives County, where he paid out some of the money to secure lands that we had been driven from. 41 After a failed attempt to see Parley P. Pratt at Richmond, Elders Kimball and Roundy rode all night to be in Far West for the anticipated arrival of the Twelve Apostles later that day, 25 April The Twelve in Quincy, Prophecy Fulfilled, and the Return of the Twelve to the Eye of the Storm In Quincy, President Young called a council with the available members of the Twelve on 18 March 1839 and admonished them relative to a prudent course of action. He advised them to bring their families to Quincy so they might be able to meet as a council. A letter was read from Dr. Isaac Galland, a realtor operating in both Illinois and Iowa, regarding the halfbreed tract of land in Lee County, Iowa. President Young counseled them to buy land there, as it appeared that they would probably move northward. 43 At that same meeting, Wilford Woodruff was sustained to be ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And George A. Smith, having been appointed by the prophet as one of the Twelve, in place of Thomas B. Marsh, was also sustained by the gathering. 44 However, their actual ordinations to office were deferred until their arrival in Far West, Missouri. Brigham Young declared: We met in council in Quincy relative to

15 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April our Quorum going up to Far West and fulfilling the following: [then follows the 8 July 1838 revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants 118, regarding the departure of the Twelve on 26 April 1839]. 45 Now was the season to fulfill that revelation if it was going to be done. The Saints and also their enemies were aware of its exacting stipulations. There would be no mistaking whether the conditions were met as prescribed by the Lord it was, in effect, the fulfillment of prophecy and revelation by appointment. As he attended the March 1839 council meeting to discuss their position on the revelation, Brigham Young recorded his personal feelings and actions in the matter: Many of the Authorities considered in our present persecuted and scattered condition, the Lord would not require the Twelve to fulfil his words to the letter, and, under our present circumstances, he would take the will for the deed, but I felt differently, and so did those of the Quorum who were with me. I asked them, individually, what their feelings were upon the subject? They all expressed their desires to fulfil the revelation. I told them the Lord God had spoken, and it was our duty to obey, and leave the event in His hands and He would protect us. 46 A determined company of the Twelve and others desirous of meeting the Lord s requirements left Quincy for Far West on 18 April The immediate party was made up of Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, and Alpheus Cutler. They would be joined by others along the route. Brigham Young and Orson Pratt shared Wilford Woodruff s carriage, while John Taylor and George A. Smith rode with Alpheus Cutler. They traveled south on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River for twenty-four miles and then crossed by ferryboat into Marion City, Marion County, Missouri. The company camped there on the bluffs. At that time, Marion City existed as a settlement six miles east of Palmyra, Missouri, but was later entirely washed away in the great freshet of On 19 April, they journeyed thirty-four miles to the town of Clinton, Monroe County, northeast of Paris, where they stayed that night. The 20th of April saw them down the road some thirty miles, where they camped for the night. 48 The company then passed through Huntsville, the county seat of Randolph County, on 21 April, and crossed a nine-mile prairie. They found the roads were jammed with Saints, fleeing from their Missouri persecutors. It incensed Brigham Young that Governor Boggs s extermination order flew in the face of all laws of the State and the Constitution of the United States. 49 Traveling on west of Huntsville, they found Elder John E. Page, one of the Twelve, in the midst of evacuating his own family. Elder Page had just tipped his wagon bottom side upwards coming down a hill.

16 44 Mormon Historical Studies President Young described the scene: Among other things he had upset a barrel of soft soap, and he was elbow deep in the soap, scooping it up with his hands. I told him I wanted him to go to Far West with us. He replied, he did not see that he could, as he had his family to take to Quincy. I told him his family would get along well enough, and I desired him to go up with us. He asked how much time I would give him to get ready. I answered five minutes. We assisted in loading his wagon; he drove down the hill and camped, and returned with us. We travelled 30 miles and camped for the night. 50 On 22 April, the company passed through Keytesville (often mistakenly listed as Keetsville in LDS accounts), Chariton County, 51 covering a total of thirty miles before camping. During the course of the day on 23 April, the party traveled thirty-six miles and finally camped on a creek near a grove that was just six miles east of Tinney s Grove (frequently spelled Tenney s Grove in various LDS accounts). Tinney s Grove was twenty-six miles north-northeast of Richmond. 52 Brother Maginn (probably Ezekiel Maginn) 53 left to buy some corn, and when he didn t return that night, the brethren were worried that he had fallen into the wrong hands. However, he had merely been delayed and was actually safe. The company was joined the next day, 24 April, by Elders Elias Smith, Theodore Turley, and Hiram Clark, members of the Committee on Removal, who had been driven from Far West by threats of mob action if they were seen again. In spite of the danger, these brethren turned back with the Young party on 25 April and accompanied them as they traveled westward. They arrived at Far West soon after midnight in the early morning of 26 April. Heber C. Kimball remembered that it was a beautiful, clear, moonlit night, as the brethren rode into the public square. All seemed still as death, he related. 54 Cognizant of the serious consequences should their presence be discovered by the enemy, the brethren initially secreted themselves in what appears to have been at least two different homes. Brigham Young mentions going to Timothy B. Clark s place, while Wilford Woodruff specifies that we Rode to far west & spent the night at the house of Br Morris Phelps. Br Phelps was still in Prison [at Richmond]. 55 The stage was now set for carrying out the strange mission of the Twelve and their companions. Heber C. Kimball said that he had previously kept himself concealed in the woods, and passed round the country, notifying the brethren and sisters to be on hand at the appointed time for the laying of the corner stone. 56 The Apostles who were there have given perspective to the sequence of events as they unfolded. Wilford Woodruff was moved by the importance of recording that historical moment on 26 April 1839:

17 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April The events of this day are worthy of record for a Revelation of God & commandment is this day fulfilled & that to under Circumstances which to all human appearance could not have been done. The Lord had given a Commandment to the Twelve to assemble upon the building spot of the house of the Lord in far west Caldwell Co Mo on the 26th day of April & there take the parting hand with the Saints to go to the nations of the earth.... The Missourians had sworn that the revelation above alluded to should not be fulfilled. 57 Elder Heber C. Kimball stated that the order of the day commenced with a conference of the Saints who assembled at the home of Brother Samuel Clark early on the morning of the 26th. As a matter of business, certain individuals were adjudged no longer worthy of holding membership, and they cut off 31 persons from the Church. 58 In Elder Woodruff s recording of the proceedings, he wrote: At a Council held at Far West by the Twelve, High Priests, Elders, & Priests on the twenty Sixth of April 1839 The following resolutions were adopted: Resolved that the following persons should be no more fellowshiped in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints but excommunicated from the Same, viz. Isaac Russel, Mary Russel, John Goodson & wife, Jacob Scott senr. & wife, Isaac Scott, Jacob Scott jun Ann Scott, Sister Walton, Robert Walton, Sister Cavanaugh, Ann Wanlass, William Dawson Sen [Jun.] & wife, [William Dawson, Sen., and wife], George Nelson, Joseph Nelson & wife & Mother, Wm. Warnock & wife, Jotham Magnard [Jonathan Maynard], Nelson Magnard [Maynard], George Miller, Br. [John] Griggs [Grigg?] & wife, George Walters, Luman Gibbs, Simeon Gardner, & Freeborn Gardner. 59 Members of the conference then adjourned to the building spot of the Lord s house. 60 Wilford Woodruff identified those of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who were present at the temple site and confirmed the names of the two Apostles and the two seventies ordained to office on that occasion: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimble, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, & John Taylor, who proceeded to ordain (on the chief corner stone of the building [the southeast cornerstone]) Willford Woodruff & George A. Smith, (who had been previously nominated by the first Presidency, accepted by the Twelve, & acknowledged by the Church,) to the office of the Twelve to fill the place of those who had fallen. Darwin Chase & Norman Shearer (who had just been liberated from Richmond prison whare they had been confined for the cause of Jesus Christ) were then ordained to the Office of the Seventies. 61 Speaking of this unique moment when he and Elder Woodruff were ordained, George A. Smith recounted that on the 26 I met with a number of the twelve and was ordained on the corner stone of the house of the Lord

18 46 Mormon Historical Studies in Far West to fill the place of Thomas B. Marsh who had Apostatized. He further announced that Brigham Young [was] mouth over brother Woodruff, and Heber C. Kimball over me... and then took leave of the Saints on the ground, about twenty in number, and started on our mission to the nations. 62 Southeast Cornerstone of the Far West Temple Site, July Here the Twelve assembled on 26 April 1839, and Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith were ordained apostles. Photo by Alexander L. Baugh Following the ordinations of these brethren, the Twelve knelt one by one on the southeast cornerstone and delivered up vocal prayers in this order: Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimble, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, John Taylor, Willford Woodruff & George A. Smith, after which we Sung adamondi ahmon [Adam-ondi-Ahman] & then the Twelve took (the parting hand) their leave of the following Saints agreeable to revelation: Alpheus [C]utler, Elias Smith, Norman Shearer, Wm. Berton, Stephen Markham, Shedrick Roundy, Wm. C. Clark, John W. Clark, Hezekiah Peck, Darwin Chase, Richard Howard, Mary Ann Peck, Artimisha Grainger, Martha Peck, Sarah Granger, Theadore Turley, Hiram Clark & Daniel Shearer. 63 A brief analysis of the makeup of those persons stated to have been pre-

19 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April sent gives added perspective to the proceedings on that instant: 1. Brigham Young Apostle (ordained 14 February 1835). 2. Heber C. Kimball Apostle (ordained 14 February 1835). 3. Orson Pratt Apostle (ordained 26 April 1835). 4. John E. Page Apostle (ordained 19 December 1838). 5. John Taylor Apostle (ordained 19 December 1838). 6. Wilford Woodruff Apostle (ordained on SE cornerstone, 26 April 1839). 7. George A. Smith Apostle (ordained on SE cornerstone, 26 April 1839). 8. Alpheus Cutler The master workman of the house [the Far West Temple], see HC, 3:337. Hymm Adam-ondi-Ahman The Latter-day Saints Psalmody, 3rd edition published by the Deseret News, The original edition was dated 27 May Darwin Chase Imprisoned at Richmond, released 24 April 1839 (ordained a Seventy at Far West, 26 April 1839). 10. Norman Shearer Imprisoned at Richmond, released 24 April 1839 (ordained a Seventy at Far West, 26 April 1839). 11. Hiram Clark Member, Committee on Removal. 12. Stephen Markham Member, Committee on Removal (HC 3:254 55). 13. Shadrach Roundy Member, Committee on Removal. 14. Daniel Shearer Member, Committee on Removal (HC 3:338 39). 15. Elias Smith Clerk, Committee on Removal. 16. Theodore Turley Member, Committee on Removal. 17. William Burton. 18. John Wesley Clark Son of Timothy B. Clark. 19. William Ogelby (Ogelsby) Clark Son of Timothy B. Clark. 20. Artimesia Grainger. 21. Sarah Grainger (Granger). 22. Richard Howard. 23. Hezekiah Peck. 24. Martha Long Peck Wife of Hezekiah Peck. 25. Mary Ann (Marana?) Peck Daughter of Hezekiah and Martha Long Peck. A probability exists that others not named above were also present.

20 48 Mormon Historical Studies William Dawson of Lehi, Utah, made a very interesting deposition before James Harwood, notary public, in which he stated: Lehi City, Utah. Dec This is to Certify that the undersigned with Isaac Russell, Jacob Scott John Goodson, and others witnessed the ceremonies on the Temple Lot in Far West MO on the night of the 25th or morning of the 26th of April Signed William Dawson 64 The reader will note the paradox created by this sworn statement. If a valid remembrance, those named in this deposition were all persons who had just been excommunicated moments before at the meeting conducted at the home of Hiram Clark. William W. Phelps mentions that he, [John?] Cleminson, Reed Peck, and [Silas?] Maynard were still in Far West. Phelps definitely did not attend, and it is doubtful that the others chose to do so. Phelps had been previously excommunicated and was very critical of the appearance of the Twelve. He felt that they had forced the fulfilment of Jo s revelation! and that it was done to strengthen the faith of weak members, and for effect abroad. 65 However, he did have some knowledge of the proceedings and wrote an interesting synopsis to his wife Sally Phelps in St. Louis: One of the least of all the forcible tricks of the mormons, was performed on the morning of the 26th April, in secret darkness about three o clock in the Morning. Probably seven shepherds and eight principal men, from Quincy (Ill.) and else where assembled on the big house cellar, and laid one huge stone, in addition to those already there, to fulfill the revelation given the 26th of April [July 8, 1838] one year ago. 66 As a final rite at the temple ground, Elder Heber C. Kimball said that we recommenced laying the foundation, agreeably to the Revelation given 8 July 1838, by rolling a stone upwards of a ton weight, upon or near the South East Corner. 67 Elder Woodruff related that this was accomplished under the direction of Elder Alpheus Cutler, who placed the stone in its regular position and then thought it wisdom to adjourn untill some future time when the Lord should open the way expressing his determination then to procede with the building. 68 Brigham Young declared, Thus was this revelation fulfilled, concerning which our enemies said, if all other revelations of Joseph Smith were fulfilled that one should not, as it had day and date to it. 69 Following these ceremonies, the brethren walked among the deserted houses of Far West and noted that many of the homes were in ruin and the streets overgrown with weeds and grass. After taking breakfast at the home of Brother Timothy B.

21 Larry C. Porter: Brigham Young and The Twelve, 26 April Clark, the company then left the area before sunrise. 70 While riding out of town, Theodore Turley asked Brothers Page and Woodruff to Stop a bit, while I bid Isaac Russell good-bye; and knocking at his door, called brother Russell. His wife answered, Come in it is brother Turley. Russell replied, It is not; he left here two weeks ago, and appeared quite alarmed; but on finding it was Turley, asked him to sit down; but he replied, I cannot; I shall lose my company. Who is your company? inquired Russell. The Twelve. The Twelve? Yes; don t you know that this is the twenty-sixth, and the day the Twelve were to take leave of their friends on the foundation of the Lord s House, to go to the islands of the sea? The revelation is now fulfilled, and I am going with them. Russell was speechless, and Turley bid him farewell. 71 This nostalgic moment between friends is one of the most poignant in the annals of the Missouri period. Turley had kept the faith, whereas Russell had apostatized and was staying behind. However, their early-morning greeting had an even deeper level of meaning for these two men. Just three years before, in 1836, it was Isaac Russell who had converted and baptized Theodore Turley at Churchville, Upper Canada. 72 It must have tugged at the heartstrings of Brother Turley to see that his great benefactor, life long friend and companion, of the past had slipped away from the fold, a condition from which Isaac Russell had not satisfactorily recovered before his death at his farm three miles east of Richmond, Missouri, on 25 September The Young party avoided any possible contact with Samuel Bogart and members of the mob by riding thirty-two miles from Far West before going into a night s encampment at Tinney s Grove. Their precautions were well founded. President Young commented: We learned that a mob had collected in different places, and on their arrival in Far West they found out we had been there and transacted our business. 74 Brigham Young again got the company moving early on the morning of 27 April. The train was made up of seven of the Twelve Apostles, certain members of the Committee on Removal, and a number of families. President Young said, We had the last company of the poor with us that could be removed. The return route virtually retraced their incoming road with the exception that they did not cross the Mississippi River at the Marion City, Missouri, ferry. Instead, they chose to continue north from Palmyra, Missouri, and traverse the river on the steam ferryboat operating at Quincy on 2 May They were six days on the road from Tinney s Grove, which was some thirty-two miles from Far West, and on to Quincy required 163

22 50 Mormon Historical Studies weary miles of travel for the exiles, or a total of about 195 miles from Far West. 75 President Young gave a summation of the multiplicity of heroic efforts that had been engaged in to successfully effect the removal of the Church membership from Missouri: We had entered into a covenant to see the poor Saints all moved out of Missouri to Illinois, that they might be delivered out of the hands of such vile persecutors, and we spared no pains to accomplish this object until the Lord gave us the desires of our hearts. We had the last company of the poor with us that could be removed. Brothers P. P. Pratt and Morris Phelps were in prison, and we had to leave them for a season. We sent a wagon after brother [William] Yokum, who had been so dreadfully mutilated in the Haun s Mill massacre that he could not be moved. 76 Joyful Reunion of the Twelve and Their Prophet in Quincy On 22 April 1839, the very same day that the Brigham Young company passed through Keytesville, Missouri, on their way to Far West, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his party arrived in Quincy, Illinois, following their harrowing escape from captivity. Along the way, they had passed in the general proximity of one another, both groups pursuing their own courses of travel. The Prophet was welcomed by Emma and the children at the home of Judge John Cleveland. The Twelve returned to Quincy from Far West on 2 May 1839 and the following day, 3 May, gathered to counsel with Joseph at the Cleveland residence. Brigham Young remembered that moment as one of the most joyful scenes of my life to once more strike hands with the Prophets and behold them free from the hands of their enemies. Joseph conversed with us like a man who had just escaped from a thousand oppressions and was now free in the midst of his children. 77 Wilford Woodruff likewise recalled the pleasant circumstances of that meeting: This was an interesting day to my soul. I left Quincy in Company with five others of the Twelve & rode four miles out of town to Mr Cleaveland s to visit Brother Joseph Smith jr. & his family. We arrived at his house & once more had the happy privilege of taking Brother Joseph by the hand two years had rolled away since I had seen his face [Wilford had been in the mission field] he greeted us with great Joy. he had just received deliverance from prison & the hand of his enemies & returned to the bosom of his family & friends & also Hiram his brother & Lyman Wight & two other brethren they had been confined in prison about six months & had been under the sentence of death three times but yet there lives were in the hands of God & could not be taken by their enemies & they were now at home & we in their midst rejoicing together Joseph was frank open & familiar as usual Sister Emma was truly happy the Bishops of the Church were present also & after spending the day rejoicing together we returned to Quincy. 78

Temple Built and Dedicated

Temple Built and Dedicated Temple Built and Dedicated Spiritual Outpourings Keys restored on April 3 rd (D&C 110) Quorums are all in place Saints are moving ("friendly" expulsion) from Clay and other Missouri counties into Caldwell

More information

Today s Take-aways. Kirtland Apostasy & Aftermath 6/8/17. Heber s prophecy Parley s preaching

Today s Take-aways. Kirtland Apostasy & Aftermath 6/8/17. Heber s prophecy Parley s preaching 6/8/17 Today s Take-aways Kirtland Apostasy & Aftermath Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 What is the background to and the importance of Parley P. Pratt s mission to Toronto? What factors led some of

More information

Israel Barlow and the Founding of Nauvoo

Israel Barlow and the Founding of Nauvoo Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel Volume 10 Number 1 Article 4 4-1-2009 Israel Barlow and the Founding of Nauvoo Brent A. Barlow brent_barlow@byu.edu Follow this and additional works

More information

January 1, January 16, January 31, About February 1839

January 1, January 16, January 31, About February 1839 January 1, Personal Life Joseph Smith s history proclaimed the irony that he was imprisoned in a land of liberty due to his worship of God. History of the Church, 3:244 45 Jan. 19, Paul Cézanne, French

More information

D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S 134,

D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S 134, 1 D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S 134, 111-1 1 2 CHRONOLOGY June 29, 1836 Clay County, Missouri, citizen committee demanded that Saints immediately stop immigration to that county and that those without

More information

Today s Take-aways. Establishing Zion 6/8/17. The Location of Zion, the New Jerusalem. The Location of Zion, the New Jerusalem

Today s Take-aways. Establishing Zion 6/8/17. The Location of Zion, the New Jerusalem. The Location of Zion, the New Jerusalem Today s Take-aways Establishing Zion Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 What are the two phases of gathering to Zion introduced by? How did the geographical meaning of Zion shift in Joseph Smith s lifetime?

More information

(Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses, 5 vols. [Burbank, Calif., and Woodland Hills, Ut.: B.H.S. Publishing, ], 1:.)

(Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses, 5 vols. [Burbank, Calif., and Woodland Hills, Ut.: B.H.S. Publishing, ], 1:.) The Law of Adoption: One Phase of the Development of the Mormon Concept of Salvation, 1830-1900 by Gordon Irving Fn, BYU Studies, vol. 14 (1973-1974), Number 2 - Winter 1974 311.) Fn: Woodruff's sermon

More information

It is Thought They Will be Shot on the Grounds : A Letter from Missourian Josiah Hendrick During the Mormon-Missouri Conflict

It is Thought They Will be Shot on the Grounds : A Letter from Missourian Josiah Hendrick During the Mormon-Missouri Conflict Walker: A Letter from Josiah Hendrick 175 It is Thought They Will be Shot on the Grounds : A Letter from Missourian Josiah Hendrick During the Mormon-Missouri Conflict Kyle R. Walker In the fall of 1838,

More information

7/6/17. Succession in the Presidency. The Last Charge Meeting. The Twelve on the Day of the Martyrdom

7/6/17. Succession in the Presidency. The Last Charge Meeting. The Twelve on the Day of the Martyrdom Succession in the Presidency The Twelve on the Day of the Martyrdom Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801 1844, comp. Elden Jay Watson (1968), 171, LDS Church Archives)

More information

Before the Saints left Nauvoo, priesthood leaders covenanted to help all the Saints who wanted to join the emigration.

Before the Saints left Nauvoo, priesthood leaders covenanted to help all the Saints who wanted to join the emigration. Before the Saints left Nauvoo, priesthood leaders covenanted to help all the Saints who wanted to join the emigration. 194 C H A P T E R 1 6 That We May Become One The voice of the Almighty called us out

More information

Adam-ondi-Ahman. Lesson. Purpose. To help the children look forward to and prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ and the Millennium.

Adam-ondi-Ahman. Lesson. Purpose. To help the children look forward to and prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ and the Millennium. Adam-ondi-Ahman Lesson 30 Purpose To help the children look forward to and prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ and the Millennium. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study the historical accounts given

More information

Key Words: Oldham, England, cotton mill, Afton, Wyoming, High Council

Key Words: Oldham, England, cotton mill, Afton, Wyoming, High Council STAR VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORICAL BOOKS INVENTORY DETAILS 1. Overview Title: John Nield Author: John Nield Subject: Personal History Publisher: Publishing Date: Number of Pages: 5 ID#: 370 Location:

More information

The Saga of Revelation: The

The Saga of Revelation: The The Saga of Revelation: The Why is an understanding of the history of the Seventy important today? Because it provides a pattern for how the Lord reveals His will for His Church and for our individual

More information

Welcome to LDS Jeopardy! Be certain your answers in question format. Review of Lesson s 23 thru 29

Welcome to LDS Jeopardy! Be certain your answers in question format. Review of Lesson s 23 thru 29 Welcome to LDS Jeopardy! Be certain your answers in question format. Review of Lesson s 23 thru 29 Kirtland (Lesson 25 and 26) Glory, Glory, Glory (Lesson 23) Expelled (Lesson 27) I Hope they They Call

More information

Ramus/Macedonia (Illinois) Markers Dedicated

Ramus/Macedonia (Illinois) Markers Dedicated 143 Ramus/Macedonia (Illinois) Markers Dedicated William G. Hartley & Alexander L. Baugh In ceremonies on Saturday, 21 May 2000, more than fifty descendants of Ute and Sarah Gant Perkins, along with friends

More information

The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society

The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING First Counselor in the First Presidency The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart

More information

ALBERT MINER. by Ray C. Howell

ALBERT MINER. by Ray C. Howell ALBERT MINER by Ray C. Howell Albert Miner was born on March 31, 1809 in Jefferson County, New York. He was the son (and fourth child) of Azel and Sylvia Munson Miner. In the year of 1815 Albert and his

More information

D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S

D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S 1 D O C T R I N E & C O V E N A N T S 113-120 CHRONOLOGY January 12, 1838 Revelation, Unpublished; FP, family and friends to flee Kirtland. January 12, 1838 JS and Rigdon flee Kirtland to Far West in order

More information

TWO PRIESTHOODS TWO DIVISIONS OR GRAND HEADS THREE GRAND ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD

TWO PRIESTHOODS TWO DIVISIONS OR GRAND HEADS THREE GRAND ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD ONE PRIESTHOOD THE MELCHIZEDEK Priesthood is: 1. (In the eternal sense): The power by which the worlds were made, etc. 2. (To us): The power and authority of God delegated to man on earth to act in all

More information

EMERY COUNTY PIONEER SETTLERS OF THE 19TH CENTURY

EMERY COUNTY PIONEER SETTLERS OF THE 19TH CENTURY EMERY COUNTY PIONEER SETTLERS OF THE 19TH CENTURY William Burgess, Jr. William Burgess Jr., like his father was a Utah pioneer of 1848 in the Brigham Young Company, under the direction of that intrepid

More information

Mormon Trail, The. William Hill. Published by Utah State University Press. For additional information about this book. Accessed 13 May :51 GMT

Mormon Trail, The. William Hill. Published by Utah State University Press. For additional information about this book. Accessed 13 May :51 GMT Mormon Trail, The William Hill Published by Utah State University Press Hill, William. Mormon Trail, The: Yesterday and Today. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1996. Project MUSE., https://muse.jhu.edu/.

More information

the authors have several purposes to promote according to the central purpose of men with a mission though is to

the authors have several purposes to promote according to the central purpose of men with a mission though is to JAMES B ALLEN RONALD K ESPLIN and DAVID J WHITTAKER men with a mission 1837 1841 the quorum of the twelve apostles in the british isles salt lake city deseret book 1992 xix 460 pp ap 84 illustrations 7

More information

The Mormon Migration

The Mormon Migration The Mormon Migration A Religious Journey Mormon was a nickname given to those people who gathered around Joseph Smith. The actual name of the church was and still is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day

More information

January 4, January 5, January 11, January 22, About January 24, 1833

January 4, January 5, January 11, January 22, About January 24, 1833 January 4, Writings In a letter to N. C. Saxton, editor of the American Revivalist and Rochester Observer, Joseph Smith taught about the gathering of Israel and prophesied of pestilence and civil war.

More information

A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri

A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri A Dissertation Presented to the Department of History Brigham Young University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor

More information

Zion s Camp Marches to Missouri

Zion s Camp Marches to Missouri Zion s Camp Marches to Missouri Lesson 28 Purpose To help the children understand that trials and tests of faith can strengthen us if we are faithful and obedient. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study Doctrine

More information

Campaign for President of the United States

Campaign for President of the United States On January 29, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith formally decided to run for the office of president of the United States. What did he hope to accomplish? Campaign for President of the United States 48 JOSEPH

More information

Lesson 17:Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop

Lesson 17:Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop Lesson 17:Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop Lesson 17: Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop, Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997),86 Purpose To help the children

More information

STAND BY MY SERVANT. By Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Served as a member of the Seventy from 1994 to Ensign

STAND BY MY SERVANT. By Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Served as a member of the Seventy from 1994 to Ensign By Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Served as a member of the Seventy from 1994 to 2011 STAND BY MY SERVANT How grateful we should be that we are allowed to stand by Joseph with our own actions and testimonies

More information

A life sketch of Mary Hutton McMurray

A life sketch of Mary Hutton McMurray A life sketch of Mary Hutton McMurray 1801 1896 There were many women in the early days of the Mormon Church that after the death of their husbands, were left without means of support for themselves and

More information

I might add that her position is similar to hundreds of others in like circumstances. There was a great deal of confusion in the early times.

I might add that her position is similar to hundreds of others in like circumstances. There was a great deal of confusion in the early times. NANCY ANN BACHE The grandfather of Nancy Ann Bache was Hermann Bache [Bach] who was born 13 May 1708 at Freudenberg, Westfalen, Germany. He married Anna Margrethe Hausmann who was born 13 Mar. 1712 at

More information

Today is the ninety-seventh anniversary of

Today is the ninety-seventh anniversary of President Wilford Woodruff and Thoughts for Youth G. HOMER DURHAM Today is the ninety-seventh anniversary of the birth of Elder LeGrand Richards, who left us on Tuesday, 11 January of this year. His passing

More information

Joseph Smith Is Jailed Unjustly

Joseph Smith Is Jailed Unjustly Lesson 32 Joseph Smith Is Jailed Unjustly Purpose To help the children understand that if we have faith in the Lord, he will help us meet whatever adversity we face. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study Doctrine

More information

12. Robert B. Thompson. Brother Thompson's death in August 1841 prevented his assisting in preparing the proclamation.

12. Robert B. Thompson. Brother Thompson's death in August 1841 prevented his assisting in preparing the proclamation. Background The revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 124 was received almost two years after the Prophet and his associates were allowed to escape from custody in Missouri and join the Saints in

More information

(print), (online)

(print), (online) Title Author(s) Reference ISSN Abstract Kirtland Camp, 1838: Bringing the Poor to Missouri Alexander L. Baugh Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 22/1 (2013): 58 61. 1948-7487

More information

The Lord gives the Church instructions regarding how to redeem Zion from her enemies.

The Lord gives the Church instructions regarding how to redeem Zion from her enemies. Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 103 The Lord gives the Church instructions regarding how to redeem Zion from her enemies. 1 VERILY I say unto you, my friends, behold, I will give unto you a revelation

More information

The Mormons and the Donner Party. BYU Studies copyright 1971

The Mormons and the Donner Party. BYU Studies copyright 1971 The Mormons and the Donner Party The Mormons and the Donner Party Eugene E. Campbell A busload of tourists, enroute from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, had stopped at the large stone monument near Donner

More information

The Mormon Kingdom Volume 1 Jerald and Sandra Tanner

The Mormon Kingdom Volume 1 Jerald and Sandra Tanner The Sample Mormon Kingdom Volume 1 Jerald and Sandra Tanner The Mormon Kingdom Volume 1 By Jerald and Sandra Tanner 1969 (Digital version 2018) Utah Lighthouse Ministry 1358 S. West Temple Salt Lake City,

More information

Unofficial title: What Joseph Smith taught about the temple the last year of his life that most of us have missed. 6/29/17. Today s Take-aways

Unofficial title: What Joseph Smith taught about the temple the last year of his life that most of us have missed. 6/29/17. Today s Take-aways 6/29/17 Today s Take-aways s Temple Teachings Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 What are the Three Orders of the Priesthood? How do the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple relate to the Three Orders

More information

The. Spiritual Gifts. The calling of a stake president is a sacred. BY ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSEN Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The. Spiritual Gifts. The calling of a stake president is a sacred. BY ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSEN Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles BY ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSEN Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The calling of a stake president is a sacred and spiritual experience. Under the direction of the First Presidency, General Authorities and

More information

Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 51

Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 51 Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 51 This section deals with matters that are seemingly secular to us, namely the apportionment of lands. However, the Lord indicates this issue is one where the people must

More information

Lord, Roll On Thy Work: The World of Joseph Fielding Chapters and Headings

Lord, Roll On Thy Work: The World of Joseph Fielding   Chapters and Headings Lord, Roll On Thy Work: The World of Joseph Fielding http://www.bsmarkham.com/julie/juliehome.html Chapters and Headings Page Chapter 1 Fielding Family in England 1 A Brief Overview of England s Invasions

More information

Emma Hale Smith. Thou Art an Elect Lady D&C 24, 25, 26, 27 by Matthew J. Grow

Emma Hale Smith. Thou Art an Elect Lady D&C 24, 25, 26, 27 by Matthew J. Grow Thou Art an Elect Lady D&C 24, 25, 26, 27 by Matthew J. Grow In the months following the April 1830 organization of the Church of Christ (as the Church was then known), began to understand more fully what

More information

Foundations of the Restoration. Lesson 15: Strength Amid Opposition The 1838 Apostasy Saturday, April 21, 2018

Foundations of the Restoration. Lesson 15: Strength Amid Opposition The 1838 Apostasy Saturday, April 21, 2018 Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 15: Strength Amid Opposition The 1838 Apostasy Saturday, April 21, 2018 Problems in Kirtland 1836-1838 July-August 1836 Joseph goes to Massachusetts to find money

More information

General Authorities Ages and Length of Service

General Authorities Ages and Length of Service General Authorities Ages and Length of Service Here are a number of historical compilations based on data from Deseret News Church Almanacs, compiled and arranged by Louis Epstein. st Oldest Members of

More information

LESSON #29 BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN NAUVOO, ILLINOIS. By Ted L. Gibbons

LESSON #29 BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN NAUVOO, ILLINOIS. By Ted L. Gibbons LESSON #29 BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN NAUVOO, ILLINOIS By Ted L. Gibbons INTRODUCTION: Five houses are still standing where ancestors of my children lived in Nauvoo in the days following the Missouri

More information

The Nauvoo Tabernacle

The Nauvoo Tabernacle The Nauvoo Tabernacle The Nauvoo Tabernacle Elden J. Watson On Sunday, 7 April 1844, Joseph Smith delivered the funeral discourse of King Follett before an assembly of 8,000 (?) Saints. 1 Such a large

More information

Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred

Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred Lesson 37 Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred Purpose To strengthen each child s testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study the historical accounts given in this lesson and

More information

Malissa Lott. (Sealed September 20, 1843)

Malissa Lott. (Sealed September 20, 1843) Malissa Lott (Sealed September 20, 1843) Malissa Lott was born January 9, 1824, to Cornelius Peter Lott and Permelia Darrow Lott in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Her parents were baptized in 1834 and the

More information

Reminiscences of Jackson Buckner Written by Jackson Buckner August 8, 1891, at University Place (Lincoln) Nebraska

Reminiscences of Jackson Buckner Written by Jackson Buckner August 8, 1891, at University Place (Lincoln) Nebraska Reminiscences of Jackson Buckner Written by Jackson Buckner August 8, 1891, at University Place (Lincoln) Nebraska Jackson Buckner was born, of American parents, November 15, 1820 in Chatham County, North

More information

146 Mormon Historical Studies

146 Mormon Historical Studies 146 Mormon Historical Studies President Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking at the Wilford C. Wood banquet, May 28, 2009. Photograph courtesy Scott

More information

Temporal Salvation for Ourselves and Others

Temporal Salvation for Ourselves and Others C H A P T E R 2 0 Temporal Salvation for Ourselves and Others If we follow the Lord s counsel, we are better able to meet our own temporal needs and help those in need around us. From the Life of George

More information

On 1 July 1857 Wilford Woodruff, apostle and assistant Church historian

On 1 July 1857 Wilford Woodruff, apostle and assistant Church historian A Dialogue between Wilford Woodruff and Lyman Wight Ronald G. Watt On 1 July 1857 Wilford Woodruff, apostle and assistant Church historian wrote to Lyman Wight, a former apostle who had gone to Texas shortly

More information

Alexander L. Baugh. The Arrest and Incarceration of the Mormon Prisoners

Alexander L. Baugh. The Arrest and Incarceration of the Mormon Prisoners Alexander L. Baugh: Escape of Joseph Smith from Missouri 59 We Took Our Change of Venue to the State of Illinois : The Gallatin Hearing and the Escape of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Prisoners from Missouri,

More information

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS & CHURCH H ISTORY GOSPEL DOCTRINE CLASS

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS & CHURCH H ISTORY GOSPEL DOCTRINE CLASS G R E E N M O U N T A I N 1 ST Lesson 1: Introduction Laying of the Capstone - 6 April 1892 DOCTRINE & COVENANTS W A R D L A K E W O O D, C O L O R A D O 0 1 / 0 4 / 0 9 P A G E 1 & CHURCH H ISTORY GOSPEL

More information

Karen Lynn Davidson, David J. Whittaker, Mark-Ashurst-McGee, and Richard L. Jensen, eds., Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories,

Karen Lynn Davidson, David J. Whittaker, Mark-Ashurst-McGee, and Richard L. Jensen, eds., Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories, Karen Lynn Davidson, David J. Whittaker, Mark-Ashurst-McGee, and Richard L. Jensen, eds., Histories, Volume 1: Joseph Smith Histories, 1832-1844. Volume one of the Histories series of The Joseph Smith

More information

The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times Part One: Preparing a People for Great Millennium

The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times Part One: Preparing a People for Great Millennium The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times Part One: Preparing a People for Great Millennium Introduction We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants that the earth experiences seven thousand years of temporal

More information

Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Aposles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Aposles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2009 Changes in Seniority to the Quorum of the Twelve Aposles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

More information

v1 Introduction indicating this statement is in reply to Gilbert s request to know his status with the Lord.

v1 Introduction indicating this statement is in reply to Gilbert s request to know his status with the Lord. Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 53 At the same conference which section 52 was received, Algernon Sidney Gilbert approached Smith and requested a revelation. This section is the response to that request.

More information

The Restoration History Manuscript Collection

The Restoration History Manuscript Collection The Annals of Iowa Volume 47 Number 4 (Spring 1984) pps. 377-381 The Restoration History Manuscript Collection Paul M. Edwards ISSN 0003-4827 Copyright 1984 State Historical Society of Iowa. This article

More information

The Mormons and the Donner Party

The Mormons and the Donner Party BYU Studies Quarterly Volume 11 Issue 3 Article 9 7-1-1971 The Mormons and the Donner Party Eugene E. Campbell Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq Recommended Citation

More information

Samuel H. Smith. Who was Samuel H. Smith? Faithful Brother of Joseph and Hyrum

Samuel H. Smith. Who was Samuel H. Smith? Faithful Brother of Joseph and Hyrum Samuel H. Smith Faithful Brother of Joseph and Hyrum BY LARENE PORTER GAUNT Church Magazines AND ROBERT A. SMITH President of the Samuel H. Smith Foundation Samuel s faithful devotion to the gospel, his

More information

The Saints Build Winter Quarters

The Saints Build Winter Quarters Lesson 39 The Saints Build Winter Quarters Purpose To help the children understand that great things can be accomplished when people cooperate and serve each other. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study Mosiah

More information

The Light of Christ. President Marion G. Romney Conference Report, Apr. 1977, p ; or Ensign, May 1977, p

The Light of Christ. President Marion G. Romney Conference Report, Apr. 1977, p ; or Ensign, May 1977, p The Light of Christ President Marion G. Romney Conference Report, Apr. 1977, p. 59-63; or Ensign, May 1977, p. 43-45 PDF Version My brethren, I pray, and ask you to join in that prayer, that while I speak

More information

The calling of the Twelve to minister to the nations appears in D&C 107:33-35.

The calling of the Twelve to minister to the nations appears in D&C 107:33-35. Comments on Doctrine & Covenants 112 This section addresses Thomas B. Marsh, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve, in specific and the Quorum of the Twelve in general. At the time of the revelation

More information

Primary 5 Doctrine and Covenants/ Church History Ages 8-11 Picture # In Book

Primary 5 Doctrine and Covenants/ Church History Ages 8-11 Picture # In Book Lesson Number Primary 5 Doctrine and Covenants/ Church History Ages 8-11 Picture Name Picture # In Book Church Library Number Gospel Art Picture Kit Number 1, 13, 15, 21, 37 The Prophet 5-1 62002 401 7,

More information

TO SEAL THE TESTIMONY

TO SEAL THE TESTIMONY Lesson #32 (TLG Draft #1) TO SEAL THE TESTIMONY by Ted L. Gibbons INTRODUCTION: Consider the following names: John the Baptist; 1000 Anti- Nephi-Lehies; Abinadi; Joseph Smith. What do these have in common?

More information

Names for Temple Ordinances [#1]

Names for Temple Ordinances [#1] Names for Temple Ordinances [#1] [#2] The purpose of the restored Church of Jesus Christ is to help members qualify for exaltation by fulfilling divinely appointed responsibilities. [#3] One such responsibility

More information

Revelations of God. In April 1831, early Church convert Thomas B. Marsh wrote GREAT AND MARVELOUS ARE THE

Revelations of God. In April 1831, early Church convert Thomas B. Marsh wrote GREAT AND MARVELOUS ARE THE GREAT AND MARVELOUS ARE THE Revelations of God By Gerrit Dirkmaat Church History Department JOSEPH SMITH JR., BY RICHARD BURDE, COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM In April 1831, early Church convert Thomas

More information

MORMONS: IN THE EAST

MORMONS: IN THE EAST MORMONS: IN THE EAST THE FIRST GREAT AWAKENING: 1730S & 1740S A period of religious excitement throughout Europe and the British colonies. They questioned certain religious authority and promoted an intensely

More information

Iam pleased and honored to have this privilege

Iam pleased and honored to have this privilege Succession in the Presidency BRUCE R. MCCONKIE Iam pleased and honored to have this privilege of meeting and worshiping with you in your devotional services as you commence the new year. I devoutly and

More information

My Fellow Servants. Essays on the History of the Priesthood. William G. Hartley. BYU Studies Provo, Utah

My Fellow Servants. Essays on the History of the Priesthood. William G. Hartley. BYU Studies Provo, Utah My Fellow Servants Essays on the History of the Priesthood William G. Hartley BYU Studies Provo, Utah Copyright 2010 Brigham Young University. All rights reserved. Front cover image: detail of The Sacred

More information

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD PRIEST FULFILLING OUR DUTY TO GOD

AARONIC PRIESTHOOD PRIEST FULFILLING OUR DUTY TO GOD AARONIC PRIESTHOOD PRIEST FULFILLING OUR DUTY TO GOD Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 3 Nephi 5:13 Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah

More information

Service in The Church 7

Service in The Church 7 Service in The Church 7 Joe was extremely proud of his priesthood and honored it every chance he could. He baptized and confirmed all nine of his children and conferred the priesthood on every one of his

More information

The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County

The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County Lesson 27 Purpose To help the children understand that even though we experience problems and trials, we will be blessed if we are obedient and endure to the

More information

Manuscripts and Sources on April 6, by H. Michael Marquardt. All rights reserved.

Manuscripts and Sources on April 6, by H. Michael Marquardt. All rights reserved. Draft History of Joseph Smith, 1839 Manuscripts and Sources on April 6, 1830 2012 by H. Michael Marquardt. All rights reserved. The following is from the 1839 Draft Manuscript of what became the History

More information

Doctrine and Covenants. and Church History

Doctrine and Covenants. and Church History Doctrine and Covenants and Church History TIMES AT A GLANCE DATE (A.D.) 1 200 600 1000 1400 1500 1600 1700 34 A.D. After the death of Jesus Christ, the Apostles led the New Testament Church. 100 200 Keys

More information

Book of Commandments and Revelations, page 56, Joseph Smith Papers, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. The above text, taken from a

Book of Commandments and Revelations, page 56, Joseph Smith Papers, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. The above text, taken from a Book of Commandments and Revelations, page 56, Joseph Smith Papers, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. The above text, taken from a revelation dated April 10, 1830, identified as the Articles

More information

Two Previous Articles about Joseph F. Smith by Richard Price

Two Previous Articles about Joseph F. Smith by Richard Price Two Previous Articles about Joseph F. Smith by Richard Price Elder Joseph F. Smith Speaks at the Waldo Branch Conference of Restoration Elders Sponsors Sermon on Unity by an Elder from the Church of Christ

More information

From Worthens Family Website. Jehu Cox, Indomitable Pioneer and Empire Builder By Wayne D. Stout

From Worthens Family Website. Jehu Cox, Indomitable Pioneer and Empire Builder By Wayne D. Stout From Worthens Family Website Jehu Cox, Indomitable Pioneer and Empire Builder By Wayne D. Stout Jehu Cox embraced Mormonism while the church was passing through its darkest hour. This fact alone stamps

More information

Blessed Is the First Man Baptised in This Font : Reuben McBride, First Proxy to Be Baptized for the Dead in the Nauvoo Temple

Blessed Is the First Man Baptised in This Font : Reuben McBride, First Proxy to Be Baptized for the Dead in the Nauvoo Temple 253 Blessed Is the First Man Baptised in This Font : Reuben McBride, First Proxy to Be Baptized for the Dead in the Nauvoo Temple Alexander L. Baugh On 15 August 1840, while preaching the funeral sermon

More information

The Edmunds Act of 1882 unleashed posses

The Edmunds Act of 1882 unleashed posses Epilogue: On the Mormon Underground The Edmunds Act of 1882 unleashed posses of federal marshals on Utah Territory. These men were armed with subpoenas for both husbands and wives and with full cooperation

More information

Lesson 2 History of the Doctrine and Covenants

Lesson 2 History of the Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2 History of the Doctrine and Covenants Key Words Book of Commandments appendix General Assembly General Conference Scriptures for this Lesson Section 108A People that came into the new church were

More information

Light. Is it okay to have questions about the gospel? Of course. That is how we gain HOLD ON TO THE

Light. Is it okay to have questions about the gospel? Of course. That is how we gain HOLD ON TO THE HOLD ON Light TO THE By LaRene Porter Gaunt Church Magazines Cling to the light of your testimony while seeking answers to your questions and doubts. The Holy Ghost is the key. Is it okay to have questions

More information

BY DAVID WHITMER DEAR BRETHREN:

BY DAVID WHITMER DEAR BRETHREN: AN ADDRESS To Believers in the Book of Mormon. DEAR BRETHREN: BY DAVID WHITMER I have concluded not to request the Saints' Herald to publish my epistle, as I will not enter into a newspaper controversy.

More information

Unspotted. Wordsworth once wrote of Milton, By President David O. McKay ( )

Unspotted. Wordsworth once wrote of Milton, By President David O. McKay ( ) Unspotted By President David O. McKay (1873 1970) David O. McKay, ninth President of the Church, was born in Huntsville, Utah, on September 8, 1873. He married Emma Rae Riggs on January 2, 1901. Five years

More information

Territorial Utah and The Utah War. Chapter 9

Territorial Utah and The Utah War. Chapter 9 Territorial Utah and The Utah War Chapter 9 Nativists Many Americans alarmed at growing number of immigrants Nativists want America for the Americans Preserve country for native-born white citizens Favored

More information

Missionary Heritage. Today s missionaries carry on the great OUR GREAT

Missionary Heritage. Today s missionaries carry on the great OUR GREAT OUR GREAT Missionary Heritage All missionaries, past or present, serve with the hope of making life better for other people. By Linda Dekker Lopez Church Magazines Today s missionaries carry on the great

More information

Lorin Farr, Friend of the Prophet

Lorin Farr, Friend of the Prophet Religious Educator: Perspectives on the Restored Gospel Volume 8 Number 1 Article 9 4-1-2007 Lorin Farr, Friend of the Prophet David J. Farr djfarr@cox.net Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/re

More information

Lesson 12: Important Ordinances are Restored

Lesson 12: Important Ordinances are Restored Lesson 12: Important Ordinances are Restored Lesson 12: Important Ordinances Ar e Restored, Pr im ary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997),57 Purpose To help the children feel gratitude for

More information

COME HOME TO THE HYMNS

COME HOME TO THE HYMNS COME HOME TO THE HYMNS W. Herbert Klopfer AGO Utah Valley Chapter 24 April 2010 In 1984, President Thomas S. Monson then Elder Monson of the Twelve organized the Leipzig Germany Stake, assisted by Elder

More information

B You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord; 48

B You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord; 48 Section 93 187 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me--46 I called you servants for

More information

What Every Elder Should Know and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government

What Every Elder Should Know and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government What Every Elder Should Know and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government Elder Boyd K. Packer Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, Feb. 1993, pp. 7-13 Because elders

More information

January 20, January 22, About February 22, Early March 1840

January 20, January 22, About February 22, Early March 1840 January 20, Chester County, Pennsylvania Writings Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma, expressing his anxiety to see his family again and his hope of their petition going before Congress in a

More information

Chapter 11, Section 1 Trails to the West. Pages

Chapter 11, Section 1 Trails to the West. Pages Chapter 11, Section 1 Trails to the West Pages 345-349 Many Americans during the Jacksonian Era were restless, curious, and eager to be on the move. The American West drew a variety of settlers. Some looked

More information

After an introduction like that and the

After an introduction like that and the We Believe in Prophecy LEGRAND RICHARDS After an introduction like that and the beautiful song we just heard, I ought to be able to say something even if I am nearly a hundred years old. I greet you all

More information

the Church was organized in 1830.

the Church was organized in 1830. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had earlier been driven out of Missouri. After rebuilding homes in and around Nauvoo, Illinois they faced more opposition. Eventually, in 1844 Joseph Smith

More information

The Choice. The Choice

The Choice. The Choice Elder Boyd K. Packer Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The Choice Boyd K. Packer, The Choice, Ensign, Nov. 1980, 20 Following the April general conference a social was held for all of the General Authorities

More information

The Redeeming and Strengthening Power of the Savior s. Atonement

The Redeeming and Strengthening Power of the Savior s. Atonement 50 Ensign The Redeeming and Strengthening Power of the Savior s Atonement By Elder Kim B. Clark Of the Seventy NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE, BY HARRY ANDERSON, COURTESY OF PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION,

More information

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (LDS CHRUCH) Here! Not Here!

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (LDS CHRUCH) Here! Not Here! THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (LDS CHRUCH) Few Americans know that the Mormon Church began in the Eastern United States in New York State. Not Here! Here! JOSEPH SMITH WAS THE FOUNDER

More information